Which statement best describes the role of a scintillation detector?

A scintillation detector plays a crucial role in radiation detection by converting ionizing radiation into visible light. This process occurs when ionizing particles, such as alpha or beta particles, interact with a scintillation material (often a crystal or a liquid) to produce flashes of light. When these light flashes occur, they can then be detected by photomultiplier tubes or other light-sensing devices, enabling the quantification and analysis of the radiation present.

The ability to generate visible light from ionizing interactions is central to the functionality of scintillation detectors, as it allows for sensitive measurements of radiation levels. This characteristic makes them widely used in various applications, including medical imaging, environmental monitoring, and nuclear industry operations.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary function of a scintillation detector. For instance, measuring thermal properties pertains to devices designed for thermal imaging or heat detection rather than radiation detection, and detecting non-ionizing radiation involves different technologies not related to scintillation processes. Amplifying radiation signals might occur in the context of various detectors, but it is not the defining role of scintillation detectors, which focus specifically on the conversion of ionizing radiation into light.